The Role of an SGS Governor

What is the role of the Board of Governors?

The Government's ambition is "that every school has a high performing governing body that understands its responsibilities and focuses on its core strategic functions; one that is made up of people with relevant skills and experience; and one which operates efficiently and effectively through appropriate structures and procedures".

Sale Grammar School's Board of Governors is made up of volunteers from diverse backgrounds representing different parts of the local community.

In the main our governors represent the following categories:-

• Parents
• Teaching & Support Staff
• The community
• Local Authority

NB: Over the coming months the Board of Governors will be working with the school's Information Department to raise its profile and to provide students, their parents and the school with further information of its functions and duties.

Strategic functions of school Boards of Governors

The Government has set Boards of Governors of all types of schools the following three core strategic functions:-

1. Ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
2. Hold the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils
3. Oversee the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent

As an Academy school Sale Grammar also has a number of additional functions and responsibilities:-

• Admissions of students
• Employer of staff

Our Structure of School Governance

• The Board of Governors meets once every term
• Each of the Sub Groups meet once per term with the exception of the Finance & Audit Group which meets bi-monthly and usually before the Board of Governors Meeting
• Extraordinary meetings may be called depending on the nature of the business

The Role of the Parent Governor

The role of the parent governor is often misunderstood: The parent governor serves on Board of Governors to represent the views of "a parent" and not necessarily the views and opinions of the parent community. The parent governor brings a parental perspective to discussions and decisions. Parent governors are under no obligation to put forward the views/opinions of other parents. If parents wish to have their views represented or conveyed at a Board of Governors meeting, they are advised to contact the chair.

The Constitution of the Governing Body

"There can never have been a more important time in our country's recent history to be involved in education, and we need skilled and motivated governors who are committed to transforming our schools."

Lord Nash,
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools

In the words of Lord Nash, this is a time when we need committed individuals to join the Board of Governors to help sustain and enhance Sale Grammar School as an Outstanding school for our present and future students.

You don't necessarily need a qualification to become a school governor but we need volunteers with some life experience. However, a good governor should:-

• Care about improving children's educational attainment
• Want to contribute to the local community
• Be able to work as part of a team and value the contribution made by different people
• Be willing to get the necessary training for the role
• Be willing and able to ask questions and offer healthy and constructive challenge
• Be open to ideas and willing to learn

As a governor you must:-

• Be willing and able to prepare for meetings - papers to read in advance
• Be able to attend meetings and depending on which sub committee(s) you decide to sit on there will be a number of meetings per term - usually at least 6-10 meetings per year
• Be available for meetings which will mainly be during the evenings but one or two maybe scheduled during the day
• Be able to participate in informed discussions and decision making

Do you have the qualities to become a school governor? Have a look through the 'Governors for Schools' website to read more.

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